Faster in TRAINING than racing :(

[Tri'inMomma]

I just raced my third tri this summer yesterday and it was the same course as my first. I did drop a full 3 minutes overall which I am happy with, but my bike was about the same. After looking at the mph, I realized I train faster than my mph in the race! I did feel rather sluggish yesterday on the bike too. It's not from my swim either - my swim is pretty strong.

I just feel overall that I give more mentally in training than on race day. I need to figure out the key to "leaving it all on the course". It has to be mental. Maybe I mentally dread the run and subconciously hold back on the bike? Am I alone in that?

Oh, one other tidbit, I tried Enervitene about halfway through the bike and my run was MUCH more energized than my bike. I may try one before the swim at the next August tri!

[Cindyloo]

I think that I have a couple of things that go on during a triathlon that keeps me from "leaving it all on the course". One is that just based on my fitness level, my heartrate gets too high at times. I think this makes me feel like I am going to keel over, so I back off some. Once my HR comes back down I feel better and pick up the pace only to repeat the situation. I am working on the cardio so maybe this one will not be a factor soon!

Second is the mental game. No matter how well I'm doing, there is always that fear that I won't finish the triathlon if I push too hard.

Once the triathlon is done I feel pretty good (probably just the adrenaline still pumping) and I always think that I could have pushed harder. Then about two hours later I start to feel it.

I do agree that the race is a whole different ballgame than training!

[KSH]

Well, I think a lot of times we hold back on the bike to save it for the run.

The key to getting over that hump... is train like ya race. Meaning... go out and ride all out for 15-30 miles in training and then do a 3 mile run. See how it goes. If you know you can do it in training, then you won't be holding back on race day.

You can also experiment with a "C" race. Pick a race that you don't care about... and go out there and just race all out. See how it goes. If you fall apart on the run and have to walk, then so be it... it's not a race you care about anyways.

I did this on one of my "C" races this year and learned that pushing it on the swim and bike didn't affect my run. I was still able to hold the average I wanted to on the run without dying. Then again, I also trained that way too... since I try to do at least 1, 30/3 brick weekly.

[wildstreaktn]

Hi Lauren,
Way back a million years ago when I was in high school,I played varsity basketball and softball.I was a great practice player at basketball but I couldn't relax and let it rip during games.Looking back I think I was self-conscious because I wasn't confident about my skills when among players other than my teammates.I was a holy terror on the softball field because I knew that my skills were the equal of anyone.I guess the parallel I am trying to draw here is that if you are concerned about your run performance you may be holding back subconsciously on the bike.I agree with KSH,just pick a C race that doesn't really count in your season and tear it up,girl. I bet you will surprise yourself.I'm a firm believer now that 1/3 of the fight is training right,1/3 is proper nutrition,and 1/3 is mental.Good luck and keep us updated.I am going to use KSH's advise on my 2nd tri in September,I believe it is great.

[Tri'inMomma]

I am going to try that 30/3 brick. It sounds painful and beneficial. I bet I am subconciously saving it for the run. The only thing to do is train through it.

I don't have time today for an outdoor 30/3 so I will give it my best at the gym in spinning and then hit the treadmill after!

Thanks for the input girls!